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Our Favorite Gifts
Bible-based Votive Candles
The ritual of candle-lighting is used throughout the world to create sacred space and focus the mind in meditation and prayer. This group of brightly colored votive candles is even more evocative because each candle carries a different fragrance mentioned in the Bible. The scents of frankincense and myrrh recall the precious gifts of the Magi. And haven't you always wondered what spikenard was, the ointment with which Mary Magdelene anointed Jesus' feet? (Turns out it's a wonderfully fragrant type of ginger root.) As the candles glow, the scents transport you to biblical times and places. And there are descriptions and verses from Scripture to go with each one. This set of five votives makes a lovely gift and a great conversation piece, especially for friends from church or Bible study. --Wendy Schuman
Cost: $19.95 for a set of 5
Where to buy it: Washington National Cathedral Museum Store
Star of David Peace Dove Necklace
Looking for a way to say "Happy Hanukkah" that also says "I believe in peace?" Jerusalem-based jewelry designer Victor Barr has created this dove-shaped Star of David necklace in either sterling silver or gold with blue or purple enamel. For me, in these uncertain times, just the sight of the necklace is a welcome reminder of the enduring hope for peace. --Holly Lebowitz Rossi
Cost: $48
Where to buy it: Judaica2000.com
"Yoga Shakti" DVD
When it comes to yoga, we've all heard of controlling our thoughts and controlling our breath, but how about controlling our yoga teacher?! In Shiva Rea's dynamic new DVD "Yoga Shakti" you get to do just that. Through a Yoga Matrix, as Shiva calls it, you can choose from 30 different posture flow sequences to custom tailor a practice that suits your time schedule, energy level, or area of focus, all led by world-renowned vinyasa flow teacher Shiva Rea. Or, simply choose from one of the four pre-programmed posture flows if you'd rather Shiva plan it for you. It's the first of its kind, user-friendly, and you don't even have to leave your own living room.
Labyrinth Fingerboard
For anyone who doesn't live by the Chartres Cathedral near Paris, home to the world's most famous Medieval labyrinth, a Labyrinth Fingerboard would make a lovely gift. Labyrinths have been used for centuries for contemplative exercise and as meditation and prayer tools in various religious traditions. Most labyrinths are meant to be walked, this beautiful one--available from the Washington National Cathedral Museum Store in cherry, oak, or maple--you can hold in your hands. And because they are hand-finished and smooth, you don't have to worry about getting a splinter in the middle of contemplating. For spiritual enlightenment at the office, try the more affordable Sand Labyrinth, a small wooden box with two labyrinth tracing patterns and soft white sand. --Dena Ross
Cost: $199.95 for the wood fingerboards; $44.95 for the Sand Labyrinth
Where to buy it: Washington National Cathedral Museum Store
"Starry Night" Software
For your stargazing friends, this interactive software provides a thorough and stimulating introduction to the celestial realm. After a few intergalactic guided tours your friend should at least be able to point out to you all the cool constellations in the night sky. There are other sky simulators on the market, but this deluxe version seems to be a favorite (read reviews here). For the amateur astronomers in my life, I'd buy this first, and splurge on the fancy telescope later. --Lisa Schneider
Cost: $49.95
Where to buy it: Space.com
More gifts >>
The ritual of candle-lighting is used throughout the world to create sacred space and focus the mind in meditation and prayer. This group of brightly colored votive candles is even more evocative because each candle carries a different fragrance mentioned in the Bible. The scents of frankincense and myrrh recall the precious gifts of the Magi. And haven't you always wondered what spikenard was, the ointment with which Mary Magdelene anointed Jesus' feet? (Turns out it's a wonderfully fragrant type of ginger root.) As the candles glow, the scents transport you to biblical times and places. And there are descriptions and verses from Scripture to go with each one. This set of five votives makes a lovely gift and a great conversation piece, especially for friends from church or Bible study. --Wendy SchumanCost: $19.95 for a set of 5
Where to buy it: Washington National Cathedral Museum Store
Star of David Peace Dove Necklace
Looking for a way to say "Happy Hanukkah" that also says "I believe in peace?" Jerusalem-based jewelry designer Victor Barr has created this dove-shaped Star of David necklace in either sterling silver or gold with blue or purple enamel. For me, in these uncertain times, just the sight of the necklace is a welcome reminder of the enduring hope for peace. --Holly Lebowitz RossiCost: $48
Where to buy it: Judaica2000.com
"Yoga Shakti" DVD
When it comes to yoga, we've all heard of controlling our thoughts and controlling our breath, but how about controlling our yoga teacher?! In Shiva Rea's dynamic new DVD "Yoga Shakti" you get to do just that. Through a Yoga Matrix, as Shiva calls it, you can choose from 30 different posture flow sequences to custom tailor a practice that suits your time schedule, energy level, or area of focus, all led by world-renowned vinyasa flow teacher Shiva Rea. Or, simply choose from one of the four pre-programmed posture flows if you'd rather Shiva plan it for you. It's the first of its kind, user-friendly, and you don't even have to leave your own living room.
With a second DVD to boot, toting special features such as interviews with Shiva Rea, John Friend, Angela Farmer and other notable yoga teachers, clips from their travels on location in India where they shot the DVD, and more specific info. about vinyasa techniques, this creative gift is sure to please. FYI: some of the sequences are best suited for intermediate and advanced practitioners, so reading the accompanying booklet will help determine which flows are appropriate. --Cory Schuman
Cost: $29.95
Where to buy it: Sounds True
Labyrinth Fingerboard
For anyone who doesn't live by the Chartres Cathedral near Paris, home to the world's most famous Medieval labyrinth, a Labyrinth Fingerboard would make a lovely gift. Labyrinths have been used for centuries for contemplative exercise and as meditation and prayer tools in various religious traditions. Most labyrinths are meant to be walked, this beautiful one--available from the Washington National Cathedral Museum Store in cherry, oak, or maple--you can hold in your hands. And because they are hand-finished and smooth, you don't have to worry about getting a splinter in the middle of contemplating. For spiritual enlightenment at the office, try the more affordable Sand Labyrinth, a small wooden box with two labyrinth tracing patterns and soft white sand. --Dena RossCost: $199.95 for the wood fingerboards; $44.95 for the Sand Labyrinth
Where to buy it: Washington National Cathedral Museum Store
"Starry Night" Software
For your stargazing friends, this interactive software provides a thorough and stimulating introduction to the celestial realm. After a few intergalactic guided tours your friend should at least be able to point out to you all the cool constellations in the night sky. There are other sky simulators on the market, but this deluxe version seems to be a favorite (read reviews here). For the amateur astronomers in my life, I'd buy this first, and splurge on the fancy telescope later. --Lisa SchneiderCost: $49.95
Where to buy it: Space.com
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